Learning

The Distinguished Toastmaster award is the highest award the Toastmasters International organisation bestows. The DTM recognises a superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership. Toastmasters international recognise that by receiving this award I have…” developed and sharpened effective communication and leadership skills, and applied these skills in professional and community activities to the benefit of others.”

How did I get started in Toastmasters?

My journey began in April 2012 with an invitation to a demonstration meeting of something called Toastmasters. I had never heard of this before and, once I heard was it was, I had to decide did I want to put myself under that pressure of standing up to speak in front of other people! Well I took the plunge, signed up to EMC Ireland Toastmasters and gave my first speech, also known as an “Icebreaker”, on 15 June 2012.

What has been involved in attaining DTM?

As well as completing approximately sixty speeches, and a variety of meeting roles, I took on a number of Club Officer roles, including VP Education in 2013, President in 2014 and the Area 49 Director role in 2015. I also completed the High Performance Leadership project in 2015 and ran a workshop for fellow toastmasters in 2016.

What are some of the benefits I have found from Toastmasters?

Joining Toastmasters is one of the best things I have ever done. Toastmasters has been of huge benefit to me, not just professionally but also personally. It is a great confidence builder and taught me excellent leadership and communication skills. As well as discovering a passion for speaking, I also learnt the benefits of servant leadership and being able to share my learnings as a mentor for new toastmasters and officers means a lot.

Now that I have achieved DTM, what’s next on my Toastmasters journey?

I have started the Competent Leadership award again, as I believe it is important to refresh skills learnt. It also means another point for the EMC Ireland Toastmasters Club. UCC (University College Cork) have asked me to return in October to speak to their Mature Students Group again about presentation skills and tips on how to overcome nerves. It is great to be able to give back what I have learnt to help others. The future is definitely bright for me and I urge anyone who wants to develop personally and professionally to join Toastmasters and discover the benefits for themselves!